Just getting started in ag production? Check out our page of resources for new farmers and ranchers.
Some people describe agriculture as a “lifestyle”. That is understandable given how most ag operations take over your life. Nevertheless, your operation is also a business, and you make countless decisions about how to run, expand and improve that business in order to keep it going. Here are some resources to help, including some new approaches to product marketing and sales that are on the rise.
General Business Management
- Business & Marketing Plans and Financing
- Getting Started in Farming and Ranching in Marin
- Farm Labor Resource Page
- Veggie-Compass Farm Profit Management Tool
- Pricing Resources & Reports
- UC Davis Cost Studies & Calculators
- UC Farm Business & Marketing Site for Fresh Produce Growers
- Farm Business Planning Reading List - New England Small Farm Institute
- USDA New Farmers Toolkit
- USDA Farm Business Planning Resources
- Cash Flow Template for Veggie Farms (UCSC CASFS)
- Understanding Cash Flow Analysis (Iowa State Cooperative Extension)
- Determining Cost of Production (UC Small Farm Program)
- UCANR Budgeting Tools & Information Page
- UCANR Farm Records & Finances Resource Page
Sales & Marketing
- Selling Wholesale resource page
- Factsheet: Getting Started Selling at Farmers Markets
- Marketing Strategy, Research, Branding and More
- Marketing & Specialty Foods Resource Page (UC Small Farm Program)
- Cultivating Success at Farmers Markets (Davis Farmers Market)
- Market-Driven Enterprise Screening Guide
- Weighmaster Certificates for live weight sales of cattle
Food Safety
- UCCE Marin Food Safety Page
- UC Davis Pre- and Post-Harvest Food Safety Site
- Food Safety for Farmers workshop (June 2012)
- Food Safety Workshop Series (2016)
Land Access
- Getting Started with Farm Leases in Marin
- Land Leasing Toolbox (Land For Good)
- California Farmlink for land seekers
Succession Planning
Organic Certification
- Getting Started with Organic Certification
- Marin Organic Certified Agriculture (MOCA)
- Marin's transition to organic practices
- More resources & links for transitioning to organic
Funding Opportunities
- USDA Funding Opportunities - Disaster Aid and Conservation Work
- CDFA Alternative Manure Management Program
- CDFA Renewable Energy Program
- CDFA Healthy Soils Initiative
- NRCS EQIP Program
- State Water Efficiency Grants
- CDFA Dairy Digester Program
- FARMER Program – Ag equipment exchange
- Carl Moyer Vehicle Replacement / Upgrade Program
- More state and federal programs for grants, incentives and insurance
Value-Added Products
- Making and Selling Value-Added Products from What You Produce
- FACTSHEET: Small-Scale, On-Farm Food Processing in Marin
- North Bay Artisan and Farmstead Cheesemaking Resources
- Establishing a Cheesemaking Facility in Marin County
- Flow Chart of Legal meat Processing and Sales
- Guide to Food Label Considerations, from Animal Welfare Approved
- Livestock Slaughter and Meat Processing Requirements in California
- Typical carcass yields from various livestock
- On-Farm Poultry Processing Page
Agritourism
- Getting Started with Ag Enterprises on Your Farm
- Project Zoning
- Agricultural Processing Permits
- Understanding Regulations
- CA Agritourism Handbook
- Agricultural Homestays in Marin County
- Hosting Dinners on your California Farm (UCANR)
- Planning a U-Pick Operation on your California Farm (UCANR)
Miscellaneous
- FACTSHEET: Establishing Ag Worker Housing on Your Ranch
- UCCE Rangeland Ecosystem Services page
- Marin Agricultural Summit
Sustainability
View our page on sustainable ag practices including getting certified Organic.